Senior Programme Manager

Senior Programme Manager

Job categoriesProgramme Management

Vacancy codeVA/2022/B5506/23236

LevelICS-11

Department/officeAR, MMCO, Myanmar

Duty stationYangon, Myanmar

Contract typeInternational ICA

Contract levelIICA-3

DurationOpen-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

Application period10-Feb-2022 to 03-Mar-2022

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

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**Background Information – Myanmar

**

Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for some of the largest development programmes in the country, namely the Access to Health, the Livelihood and Food Security Fund (LIFT), the Joint Peace Fund (JPF), EU Nexus Mechanism, and the SECO funded UN Trade Cluster Fund. In addition, UNOPS is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and for the Global Fund’s regional artemisinin-resistance initiative targeting drug resistant malaria in the greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS also provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organizations and stakeholders in the country, including international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs. UNOPS plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.

**Background Information – Job-specific

The EU funded programme, managed by UNOPS Myanmar, aims to provide support to displaced Myanmar populations along the Thai-Myanmar border. Myanmar continues to have significant Internally Displaced Person (IDP) populations, some of which result from long-term displacement and escalation of conflict. The current conflict situation, in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, is triggering dire needs that are multi-sectoral and spanning geographically throughout Southern Shan, Kayah and Kayin States of Myanmar.

The key objectives of the programme are to increase the resilience and self-reliance of both displaced populations and host communities in the areas bordering Thailand and, if conditions allow, to prepare for the IDPs to return or relocate.

**Functional Responsibilities

The Senior Programme Manager will provide leadership, strategic direction and promote best practice in the performance and delivery of this challenging programme. The Senior Programme Manager is the head of the programme implementation team which includes professionals in M&E, grants, programme management and support.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Programme and Partnerships and working closely with the programme’s Steering Committee, the Senior Programme Manager will be responsible for:

Stakeholder Management:

• Establish solid working relationship with the Steering Committee, current and potential partners and key stakeholders;

• Manage the programme implementation team’s external communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of the Programme activities, progress, exceptions;

• Advise the partners on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes;

• Manage the information flows between the Steering Committee, the UNOPS Country Office management and the programme implementation team;

• Act as UNOPS Myanmar focal person on the programme’s matters towards the counterparts, including, but not limited to, UN partners, donors, civil society and implementing partners.

Delivery and Performance:

• Implement approved programme plans (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Steering Committee;

• Advising the Steering Committee on issues such as project, work-package and activity selection for funding and their associated fiduciary management operations, such as budgets, cash flow and expenditure;

• Support design and formulation of bankable projects in line with the EU Delegation to Myanmar Due Diligence Criteria and assure projects are transformative;

• Ensuring principles of human rights, conflict sensitivity, gender equity, peace, voice and accountability, ‘doing no harm’ and aid effectiveness in all activities associated with the programme;

• Ensure proper communication and coordination of programme activities with other funds, programmes and projects implemented by UNOPS Myanmar to avoid duplication of efforts and achieve economies of scale, where possible;

• Manage delivery of the programme’s outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary;

• Managing the programme to ensure performance in the areas of finance (budget/cash flow/expenditure), work planning and resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), programmatic/administrative (including audit results) and procurement operations;

• Authorize, monitor and control projects and work packages to be delivered by the UNOPS team or grants by implementing partners;

• Advise the Steering Committee and UNOPS Executive Management Team of deviations that have or will exceed set tolerances as approved in the programme plan;

• Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to client and stakeholders is achieved;

• Monitor and evaluate the performance of service providers from a fiduciary and contract management perspectives;

• Control risks to UNOPS internal business case and take corrective actions;

• Represent UNOPS at Steering Committee meetings on behalf of the programme on a periodic basis in order to discuss key issues and propose solutions to fiduciary and operational challenges that arise;

• Monitor progress of the programme at a strategic level and ensure periodic progress and updates are made to the Steering Committee.

Procedures:

• Ensure that all Programme activities comply with UNOPS Financial Regulations and Rules (FRR) and other applicable policies;

• Understand and manage the application of the UNOPS pricing policy and related corporate charges to the projects and work-packages funded by the programme;

• On behalf of UNOPS, contribute to the development of workplans for approval by the Steering Committee;

• Manage and remain accountable for budgets, cash flow, obligations and expenditures against the budgets (based on accurate financial reports) to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors, grantees/implementing partners and personnel are processed on time;

• Ensure that capacities of implementing partners are commensurate with funding requirements;

• Understand the structure and approaches of the implementing partners and budget appropriately for programme personnel overseeing their activities;

• Ensure that all reporting requirements per the legal agreements as well as internal UNOPS requirements are met;

• Maintain critical programme records/documents on the UNOPS Google Shared Drive (online audit/record retention folder);

• Ensure appropriate measures have been documented in a Closure Plan to facilitate the transition of operations in the final stage of delivery.

Knowledge Management:

• Participate in relevant UNOPS Communities of Practice;

• Actively interact with the PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices;

• Provide feedback to HQ Group Leads on policies and supporting guidances with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies, complete lessons learned as per reporting format;

• Contribute to EU’s knowledge management initiatives;

• Further duties may be identified throughout the implementation period.

Personnel Management:

• Managing personnel and ensuring behavior consistent with UN values;

• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted systematically and on time;

• Take part in selection, recruitment and training of the team as required by programme plans;

• Ensure safety and security for all personnel and comply with UNDSS standards.

The Senior Programme Manager will also work collaboratively with the Steering Committee. A work plan will be formulated and agreed between the Senior Programme Manager, and the Steering Committee with clearly defined outputs, milestones and reporting requirements.

**Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in law/human rights, social science, international development, business administration, public administration, international relations or related areas is required.

• Bachelor’s Degree with additional 2 years of relevant work experience to the above duties and responsibilities may be accepted in lieu of Master Degree.

• PM Certification such as PRINCE2® or MSP® or PMP® is an asset. b. Work Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively relevant working experience is required and out of this at least 5 years of working in conflict affected areas, or in the areas of development, displacement, peace building and reconciliation, or recovery and livelihoods, or humanitarian response, or humanitarian-development-peace nexus, or other related areas is desired.

• Experience in working on programmes/projects in fragile contexts is a strong asset.

• Solid experience managing programmes at a strategic level with financial oversight is desirable.

• 5 years of experience in working with the UN, bilateral and multilateral donors, Non-governmental organizations, public sector and/or civil society is required.

• Proven track record of incorporating Human Rights in programming and/or context analysis in a fragile state(s) and complex/protracted crisis is desirable.

• Working experience and knowledge in Myanmar conflict affected areas will be a strong asset. Previous experience in South and/or South-east Asia will also be an asset.

• Knowledge of aid architecture is essential and previous experience working in Grants Management is desirable.

• Solid experience of managing, or having worked in a senior position with a large multi-donor fund or programme is desirable. c. Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required;

• Knowledge of an additional UN language is desirable.

**Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.**(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)**

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

**Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement
Contract level: IICA-3
Contract duration: Open-ended

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

**Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

**Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.